Modern Xiaomi Mi TVs and Xiaomi Mi Boxs come with advanced remote controls that run not only through an infrared port but also over Bluetooth, allowing users to control the device even without direct vision, and having a microphone makes it possible to use voice search. However, like any electronics, these accessories can fail, lose communication or simply become discharged, which puts the user in need of replacement or reconnection.
The process of how to prescribe a remote to a Xiaomi TV depends on your device model and connection type. In most cases, the system automatically detects a new input device when it first turns on, but there are situations where manual synchronization or a complete reset of pairing settings are required. Understanding the differences between IR signals and Bluetooth protocols will help you solve the control problem faster.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the steps of connection, from simple battery replacement to complex reset procedures through an engineering menu or flashing, and you will learn why the remote may not respond to commands, how to avoid device conflicts, and what hidden features are available to owners of Xiaomi equipment.
Determination of the type of remote and preparation for connection
Before you start setting up, you need to determine exactly what type of remote you are dealing with. Xiaomi devices come with two main types of remotes: classic Infrared and modern Bluetooth remotes with voice control. Infrared remotes require a line of sight between the emitter and the receiver on the TV, while Bluetooth remotes operate at a distance of up to 10 meters and do not depend on the angle of inclination.
Visually, you can tell them apart by having a microphone button and a Mi or Netflix logo on the case. If you have voice buttons on your remote, it uniquely uses a Bluetooth wireless connection to transmit commands, and the IR port in it can only be reserved to turn on the TV (if the TV supports this feature).
It is also worth checking the compatibility of the remote model with your TV. For example, the remote from Xiaomi Mi Box S may not work correctly with the Xiaomi Mi TV. TV 4S without prior reconfiguration or use USB-Adapter.Make sure the Bluetooth module is on on the TV, although most Android models do. TV from Xiaomi it is active by default for working with keyboards and headphones.
Automatic and manual synchronization of Bluetooth-based remote
When you first turn on a new Xiaomi TV or after a factory reset, the system itself will suggest connecting the remote. The screen will show an instruction asking you to press certain buttons at the same time. Usually this is a combination of the Back (arrow left) and Home (house icon) buttons that you need to hold for 3-5 seconds until the message about successful pairing appears on the screen, at which point the Bluetooth module of the TV goes into the search mode for new devices.
If the automatic connection did not occur, you can perform the procedure manually through the settings menu. To do this, you will need either a working IR remote (if it is included) or a regular connection. USB-keyboard or mouse to the TV port. Go to Settings section → Devices and accessories → Add accessory. The TV will start scanning, and you will need to clamp the button combination on the remote again.
☑️ Algorithm of remote connection
It is important to note that when manually synchronizing, old pairings may conflict with new ones. If the remote has previously been connected to another device or system, it is recommended to first remove it from the list of forgotten devices in the Bluetooth menu. In some cases, especially when using non-original accessories, you may need to flash the remote or use special software on your PC, but for standard situations, the standard means of the PatchWall or Android TV interface are sufficient.
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If the remote doesn't find the TV, try temporarily turning off the Wi-Fi router. In rare cases, 2.4GHz frequencies can interfere with the Bluetooth connection when initially set up.
Configure a universal IR remote via the TV menu
Many users prefer to use universal remotes that can control not only the TV, but also the sound bar or air conditioner. Xiaomi Android TVs often already have an IR transmitter built in to allow you to use the smartphone as a remote, but if you purchased a physical universal remote, it needs to be programmed. The programming process usually involves holding the setting button (often designated as SET or TV) until the indicator lights up with a constant light.
Next, you need to enter the manufacturer's code, which can be found in the instructions to the remote or on the Internet for "Xiaomi TV codes." After entering the code, the indicator will blink, confirming the preservation. Check the volume and on buttons. If the TV does not respond, try the following code from the list, since different IR protocols can be used for different batches of Xiaomi TVs.
There's also a method of automatic code selection. Press the TV button and Vol+ Volume Up button at the same time. The indicator will start flashing and the TV should turn off. Once that happens, immediately release the buttons and press SET to save. This method is effective when the manufacturer's exact code is unknown, but requires patience and close distance to the receiver.
Using a Smartphone as a Mi Remote Remote
If the physical remote is lost or broken, a smartphone is a great temporary or even permanent solution. For Xiaomi Mi TVs running Android TV, it is best to use the official Google Home app or Android TV Remote Control. These applications work over a Wi-Fi network, providing stable communication and allowing you to use the phone's keyboard to type text, which is much more convenient than typing letters with buttons.
For models with an IR port (mostly old Xiaomi smartphones or dedicated remotes), you can use the built-in Mi Remote app. However, if your phone does not have an IR emitter and the TV is on the same Wi-Fi network, you can still control it. Just download the app, select Add Device, search in the Xiaomi list, and follow the on-screen instructions for pairing on the device. IP-address.
| Connection method | Equipment required | Radio of action | Support for voice support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth (Original) | Xiaomi BT remote | 10 meters | Yes. |
| Wi-Fi (Annex) | Smartphone + router | Within the network | Yeah (via phone microphone) |
| Infrared (IR) | Universal remote control | up to 5 metres (direct visibility) | No. |
| USB-adapter | Adapter + Any BT remote | 10 meters | Depends on the remote. |
What if the remote works only close to the surface?
Reset and flashing the Xiaomi remote
In situations where the remote stops responding to commands, freezes or randomly changes volume, it may be necessary to completely reset it (Hard Reset). For most Xiaomi Bluetooth remotes, there is a hidden key combination: simultaneously press the Home and Menu (or Back) buttons for 10-15 seconds. The indicator should quickly blink, signaling a reset of internal memory settings.
For a deeper diagnosis, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) by connecting the TV to your computer, which allows you to send a command to turn off all Bluetooth devices or force the input service to restart.
adb shell am broadcast -a com.android.tv.remote.service.action.RESET_PAIRING⚠️ Attention: When in use ADB-Be very careful. Incorrect commands can lead to unstable operation of the Android system. TV. Make sure the debugging is done USB included in the developer menu.
If the software reset doesn't work, the problem may be in the hardware. Check the contacts in the battery bay - oxidation or extension of the springs often disrupts the contact. In extreme cases, when the remote is physically damaged (fallen, filled with liquid), it is easier to purchase a new original accessory, since repairing the electronics of the remotes is not economically feasible.
Addressing common problems and conflicts
One of the common problems is sticking buttons or double tapping, which can be caused by a software failure in the TV firmware. Try to reboot the TV completely by disconnecting it from the network for 1-2 minutes, which will clear the Bluetooth stack cache and eliminate temporary errors.
Users also face a situation where the remote controls the volume of the TV, but cannot switch channels in the cable receiver, this is solved by setting the CEC (HDMI Control) function or using the remote training mode if it supports copying signals from another IR remote. In the Settings → Remote and accessories menu, you can reassign some buttons to specific applications.
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The stability of the remote is directly dependent on the quality of the batteries, and cheap salt batteries may not provide enough current for a powerful Bluetooth module, causing communication breakdowns.
If the remote spontaneously changes channels or volume, check if any button is pressed by a foreign object inside the case, or if it is stuck due to the introduction of sweet liquid.